Fanshawe College
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

RESPECTFUL COLLEGE COMMUNITY AND PREVENTION OF HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION https://www.fanshawec.ca/sites/default/files/legacy/oldfanshawe/sites/default/files/assets/policies/pdf/p208.pdf

Formal process outlined in P208 (linked above)

All campus community members can access the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team to process experiences and navigate available options. 

Hotlines and Crisis Support:
Hate Helpline
Contact the Hate Helpline to report an incident and/or access support, information, and referrals. This confidential service currently operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. If you are unable to call during these hours, you can leave a message and have an operator follow up with you. Hate and Bias activity may include: assault, hate propaganda, verbal slurs and threats, offensive graffiti, obscene and threatening phone calls, and vandalism of religious or minority property.

For students, Counselling Services provides a confidential atmosphere where students are able to explore any topic or situation and discuss any concerns they may have. Services include, but are not limited to, Personal Counselling and Traumatic Event Response.

On all job postings, it is stated that: Fanshawe College is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity or gender expression. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, the hiring manager and the Recruitment Coordinator leading the recruitment will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Quoted from the Indigenous Action Plan:
"Indigenous Staff Employment – As per our commitment in signing the Indigenous
Education Protocol, the College aspires to increase the number of Indigenous employees, including Indigenous senior administrators. It is a way of creating an inclusive workforce and furthering our commitment to making Indigenous education a priority. It is an acknowledgement that it is important for Indigenous students to see themselves in the College, to see that the College values Indigenous experiences in supporting Indigenous students."

Recruitment Process
Provided by Indigenous Community Outreach and Transitions Advisor:

Goes to high schools with larger concentrations of FNMI students
○ Visits multiple times per year to earn trust
○ Creates a relationship with students
○ Encourages them to pursue post-secondary education
○ Tell them how we can help them
○ London, Thames Valley Region, Wallaceburg

Reaches out to the Community
○ Speaking to people at event
○ Build relationships through trust
○ Encourage them to attend college

We offer access programs:
○ Summer college: 1 month is 2 credits
○ Indigenous studies
○ Gen Ed programs
○ IHIP program
○ SWAC programs: designed for disengaged, underachieving students in their last year of secondary school and need 8-10 credits to graduate

Fanshawe reaches out to the Boys and Girls Club and Crown Wards.

There are programs actively recruiting on First Nations reservations in the area, to encourage students to enroll. Fanshawe also offers select courses and workshops on-reserve.

The EDI team meets with and supports Fanshawe community members with all range of equity and oppression concerns. Available options include: direct support, systems navigation, advocacy, policy recommendations, and strategic development.

The EDI team and the Institute of Indigenous Learning developed a "mentorship" program called the Circle of Connection program, in which FNMI staff were connected with College leaders. The College plans to roll this out more broadly for equity-deserving students and staff.

The Institute of Indigenous Learning provides academic services, social, cultural, and recreational activities as well as a comfortable atmosphere for our FNMI students, staff, and faculty. Flyin’ Nations Association is a student club that provides peer support for First Nations students, increases awareness of First Nation issues, provides social activities and unites Fanshawe students and Fanshawe First Nations Students.

Opportunities and services for International Students through the International Student Centre include:
• Host Program - International students are matched with a Canadian student, staff orsenior International student to practise English and enjoy their new home
• Assistance with CIC permits – Study Permits, Work Permits and Multiple Entry Visa applications
• Women’s Conversation Circles
• Membership with the Fanshawe International Society
• Events, Activities and Seminars geared towards International students
• Student Success… applicants, students and graduates
• The Homestay Program – living with a Canadian family

Spectrum student club is a social and support group for LGBTQ2+ students at the college. Resources are available as well as a referral systems for student use. The regular events/meetings include discussion of issues pertaining to the LGBTQ2+ community, guest speakers, game nights, movie nights and special community events

The Positive Space group is dedicated to keeping Fanshawe College a diverse and inclusive environment. We conduct ally training sessions happening throughout the year for faculty, staff, and Residence Assistants, and work with Spectrum to ensure a respectful environment is maintained. The sessions include: LGBT Awareness, Transgender Awareness, Cultural Awareness.

https://www.fanshawec.ca/about-fanshawe/corporate-info/working-fanshawe